brownie points
Favor-earned goodwill
Brownie points are credit for doing something helpful or pleasing, especially to curry favor with someone in authority: He's just trying to score brownie points with the boss.
The term often carries a slightly cynical edge, suggesting the good deed is motivated more by self-interest than genuine helpfulness.
The phrase likely alludes to the point system used by Brownies, the junior division of Girl Scouts.
- kudosPraise and honor
- extra creditOptional work for higher grades
- commendationFormal expression of approval
- plauditsEnthusiastic public approval
- creditRecognition or payment deferral
recognition · praise · merit · rewards · feather in cap · gold star · strokes · acknowledgment · approval · stamp of approval · pat on the back · colloquialism · encouragement · sycophancy · ingratiating · kissing up · validation · appreciation